DECEMBER BLOG

On this very last day of 2017, we thought we would look back on our French Farmhouse year and pick out some of the notable events. We decided to do this in pictures, so here goes.....

It was a picture of the blue and white cups cupboard that kicked off our instagram account in January, The French Farmhouse in Quercy.

In February we finally got the barrels out of the barn and did a bit of jet washing. They are now in use in the grounds, my particular favourite role for them is as herb planters for the parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.

Here is a section of the doomed box hedge, look closely to find one of the caterpillars that caused all the problem! The box hedge which was almost 20 metres long has now been removed, pictures and more information on this sad situation is in the autumn newsletter, contact us if you would like to be on our FFQ Newsletter email list.

The hoopoes nested at FFQ last April. Photo Geoff Carss.

May and the pool opens for the summer. It's great to see the covers roll back and it feels like the holiday season has started.

We gave ourselves some timeout to discover new things in our local area. The above picture was taken in Cahors. We explored vineyards, towns and tried new activities in order to be able to compile our guest information book.

July. After postponing our ferry crossing back to the UK twice in order to complete our extensive list of "must do's before the guests arrive", we finally escaped for the summer leaving FFQ in the capable hands of our manager and housekeeper.

August: FFQ was full with our guests. This was our first letting season and a major highlight in our year. Thank you to all our fabulous visitors for some truly wonderful reviews.

Our last guests of the year departed on the 23rd September, leaving an array of inflatables! I know that some are returning next summer so we will keep them safe 'till then.

Drying herbs and the washed walnuts. Notice the topiary box through the window. A man with a digger came and removed the roots, the space is now ready for something new.

November: Tete d'Ail. We discovered this rustic restaurant in a side street in Roquecor . Our opinion is that it was well worth finding! The chef has a set price ( around 21 euros) for the three course meal that he has cooked. There is no choice which is fine because then there are no decisions to be made!

December and the first snow that we have seen at FFQ. The snow fell on the night that we had arranged to see a Blues concert in Tournon d'Agenais. As we left the house we were concerned that the snow would stop us getting home.... but we made it back.